€573k funding for animal groups
By Aideen O'Flaherty
OVER €573,000 in government funding has been awarded to local animal welfare groups, with the DSPCA receiving the highest amount of funding at €375,000.
The Inchicore-based Irish Blue Cross, who operate mobile clinics around Dublin and provide horse ambulances at major equestrian events, secured €180,000 in funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
My Lovely Horse Rescue, which is based in Rathfarnham, received €12,000 in funding while Clondalkin Animal Aid received €6,000.
The funding, which is being awarded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, is part of government funding which has been awarded to 111 animal groups nationally.
Dublin South West TD and Independent Minister Katherine Zappone said: “I share the passion and love of animals which people of all ages have in Dublin South West.
“Pets, big and small, are providing loyal company and friendship which is boosting the health and well-being of their owners.
“However, we must also be aware that some animals do for a variety of reasons end up being abandoned, uncared for and left in danger.
“In other homes the burden of caring for a beloved pet in terms of care and vaccines can be too much.
“On such occasions the dedicated and skilled workers and volunteers of our animal welfare charities provide invaluable support.
“I welcome the confirmation that the government is going to continue to support this work with major funding.”
